Estee Lauder Pure Color EyeShadow Duo (#02 Cobblestones)

Isn't the packaging pretty?! I'm been a Estee Lauder Fan for more then 10 years now and I've never tried any of their eyeshadows at all, can you believe what I've been missing?! The beautiful sturdy gold compact with a generous sized mirror and  an applicator with an actual brush on it. One sad fact that all duos is going to be discontinued in Singapore they're replacing it with trios.

I've been searching for the 'Raisins' Duo but it is not available in Singapore so I grab 'Cobblestones' instead and have been real happy about it.

Estee Lauder Pure Color EyeShadow Duo (#02 Cobblestones) (SGD$50) comes with a slightly frosty light champagne beige and a medium warm tone shimmery reddish/copper brown. The lighter colour actually looks more of a satin finish. The texture is smooth and easy to blend, the pigmentation is  not great just average and it is a must to use primer underneath the shadows. There's completely no fallouts even though the shadows are really soft which is a very good thing.

Overall I find that it is still an excellent product even the pigmentation is average that is not really a problem because it can be easily build up to intensify the colour and pigmentation. The only thing is that they are not exactly budget friendly.

*For my fellow Singaporeans who still wanna get them do try and ask any of the Estee Lauder Counters but just not those located in the city town area, I believe they are still available in certain counters while they're trying to clear stocks for now. I'm not sure whether they are discontinuing for the other Internationals countries out there but I'm sure you could ask your local counters.

Have a very enjoyable happy weekend & I be back soon for more reviews!!

XOXOXO

Essence Silky Touch Blush: adorable (#10) & life's a cherry (#60)

 Left: adorable (#10) Right: life's a cherry (#60)

  Left: adorable (#10) Right: life's a cherry (#60)

Sometimes I wonder if I could walk out of a 'drugstore' just window shopping and not buy or get anything, its been a struggle now a days doing that and I ultimately fail when it comes to beauty stuffs. Never the less I got 2 Silky Touch Blush from Essence which is quite budget friendly and very happy and glad with them.

Most 'drugstore' blushes over the years that I've tried aren't that great, usually their texture is hard, powdery and not very pigmented. Maybe there are so many brands out there now competing now that the quality has improve immensely.  And these from Essence are excellent, the texture is as exactly does what they say silky touch, the pigmentation are great and they blend perfectly without fallout.

Essence Silky Touch Blush: adorable (#10) (SGD $5.50) is a matte cool tone pale pink colour and I find that this shade gives me a bit of colour with natural flush and still manage to brighten up the face. The texture is really smooth and silky which makes it very easy to blend yet without any fallout.

Essence Silky Touch Blush: life's a cherry (#60) (SGD $5.50) is very deceiving from the looks out of the pan which may seems like a mauve beige colour, but is actually a very bright matte warm tone pink and gives a pretty sheen that makes your skin glow slightly. A little goes a long way for this particular blush as its quite pigmented, the texture is consistent and same like adorable (#10).

 Left: adorable (#10) blended & swatch  Right: life's a cherry (#60) swatch  & blended

Overall I'm pretty impressed by the blushes and its definitely worth giving it a try if you are on a tight budget. The only thing is they only have 4 shades which is not a lot to choose from.

What do you think? Have you tried any of them yet?

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (#002 Light Pale)

Revlon so far is one of the best 'drugstore' brands that produces a lot of great and fabulous products that works well any where in the world I think. I've bought their Revlon Photo Ready Two-Way Powder Foundation (I'll link my review on their powder below) and their concealer and I'm not sure whether I like this concealer a not... Yes a love hate relationship with this little fellow here. 

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (#002 Light Pale) (SGD $19.90) is a very creamy stick concealer, a quick swipe, blend and go type of concealer. The formula is quite pigmented and blends out nicely but however it is very lack of shades. I went for the lightest because all the rest of their shades looked a tad too dark on me but at least I still could still test it out.

It blends out well and has a solid pigmented formula. It’ll hide dark circles, fine lines, it’ll pretty much conceal any woe you have in and around your eyes and face without a doubt however it will crease and it will cake under the eye area particularly if you suffer from dry, aging eye.

Who might like it better?

• Younger eyes that aren’t dry (youthful eyes will find this works and comes with a nice budget prices).
• Those that use concealer on their face (anyone with redness, spots, etc…will find this conceals quite well due to a pigmented formula).
• Anyone with oily skin (those with oily skin might find this blends and wears more naturally compared to those with drier skin).

My final thoughts? I love it when my eyes isn't that dry and well moisturize and it would have been better if they have a few more shades, but it does work very well for my oily combination skin and stay on very well for a very humid/hot weather like in Singapore. I'm still very undecided for this particular fellow I guess.

What about you?? Have you tried Revlon PhotoReady Concealer? What do you think?

Link to: Revlon Photo Ready Two-Way Powder Foundation

Revlon Photo Ready Two-Way Powder Foundation SPF 19

So what is a Two-Way Foundation? Ermmmm... Its a compact makeup powder for light concealing or setting powder as well as doubling up as a full coverage foundation when used wet. I love this concept and have been using this kind of Two-Way Foundation/ 2-way Cake what ever your want to call them for years. Its great for lazy days and lazy me *heehee* !

My current Majolica Majorca Two-Way Foundation has hit pan, so I decided its time to try some new stuff when I saw a great deal they have for Revlon Photo Ready Two-Way Powder Foundation. A value pack that comes with another refill.

Revlon Photo Ready Two-Way Powder Foundation SPF 19 (Natural Ochre) (SGD $30.90) is very finely milled exactly like most of the mineral powder foundation. Easy application with a damp sponge for a fuller coverage or dry sponge or powder brush for lighter coverage. The photochromatic pigments formula bend, reflect, diffuses light to erase flaws and gives a soft matte finish. Its not cakey, no white cast on photos, great oil control and got SPF. There is nothing negative about it except that it can be quite expensive if there is no deals or offers. The packaging is slim and compact with a good size mirror but I find that its a bit cheap looking.

Overall for a 'drugstore' product its one of the best I've used in the Two-Way Powder Foundation category. Got to try it if you are looking or a great Two-Way Powder Foundation.

Till next time XOXO

Diana

L'oreal: False Lash Wings Waterproof Black Mascara

I've always got very straight and short lashes that is quite common for us chinese, so mascara is one of the most important thing for me and to find the right one. I usually don't just use 1 mascara alone to get effects I want and the best for me is pairing 2 awesome mascara together to achieve that.

L'oreal: False Lash Wings Waterproof Black Mascara (SGD$27.90) is one of my favourite mascara to pair with another and also an awesome one on its own. It comes equipped with a special wing tip brush which concentrates on the lashes towards the outer corner of your eye. This winged tip pulls those shorter lashes upwards and out for the fluttery effect. 

Right here in Asia Doll-like is a common trend and fluttery lashes is very flattering. The formula is lighter and doesn't give lashes that stiff and crunchy texture. The formula contains fibers that wrap around lashes for a flutter effect and supposed to extend as well as voluminize them.

For a much dramatic look I love to pair it with my another favourite which is the Too Faced Better Then Sex Mascara. It just give an extra something for my lashes and I didn't need to put on fake lashes to get that fake lash look.

Its a great mascara! I do recommend to check this out. I can find no fault with it except that it is way over price for a drugstore mascara here in Singapore.

Have a happy weekend my lovelies!! XOXO..

Revlon Color Burst Lacquer Balm: Provocateur (#135) Versus Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon (#04 Peach On The Beach)

How does both lip pencils/crayons compare? Here is my thought......

I got this Revlon Lacquer Balm chubby lip pencil a while ago, at Watson my local 'drugstore'.
Revlon Color Burst Lacquer Balm: Provocateur (#135) (SGD $18.90) is a bright medium red with slight blue undertones on my skin swatched and on my lips. It is opaque, pigmented and plus the finish is quite glossy. The consistency is light weight, creamy, somewhat balm-like and wears normal on me for almost 3 to 4 hours without consumption of food.

Ever since Bourjois launched their version of lip pencil/crayon I've been dying to get this particular colour since last year 2013 and they are always out of stock every where I went. Finally get my hands on them around mid April 2014 this year.

Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon (#04 Peach On The Beach) (SGD $18.50) is a light peachy pink with extremely glossy and shiny finish. The texture is extremely creamy that can cause quite a bit of slip on my lips, comfortable and hydrating but does not last long on my lips which I need to reapply every 1.5 to 2 hours. It's great that there is 15 SPF protection but for the waterproof part I really don't think so which also including their claim of a 10 hour wear. Although it is pigmented, glides on very easily, I just cannot stand it being so streaky.

Honestly I am quite disappointed with it, just not how I think or imagine the formula would be after all the hype and anticipation of waiting for so long to finally get my hands on them.

The Pros (Revlon)

1. Not sticky, Hydrating & Glossy Texture
2. Normal Staying Power
3. 8 shades of colours to choose from (in Singapore)
4. Not Streaky and quite pigmented

The Pros (Bourjois)

1. Not sticky, Hydrating & Glossy Texture
2. SPF 15
3. Pigmented

The Cons (Revlon)

1. Pigmentation of different shades varies
2. No SPF Protection

The Cons (Bourjois)

1. Streaky
2. only 4 shades to choose from
3. slippery
4. does not last long and need to reapply every 1.5 to 2 hours

Overall is just average for both lip pencil/crayons, I don't think I will ever repurchase any of them at all. I still prefer Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms which I had reviewed earlier (I've link my previous review and you can click if you are interested), they are still the best among these lots.

What do you think? 

Chanel: Glossimer (#175 Savage Grace)

I've been hearing so many great reviews in the beauty world on Chanel's Glossimer lipgloss for ages and have been eyeing on #175 Savage Grace since last year. Every time when I walk into their store or counter I would pick it up and swatch on my hands and I'm not sure why I have waited this long to get it but I'm really glad I got it. I really love this shade!!

Chanel as usual their packaging is sleek glossy black with classic gold trimmings.
Chanel: Glossimer (#175 Savage Grace) (SGD $44) is an insanely beautiful shimmery dark berry with magenta glitters (I don't feel the glitters on my lips) in the tube and swatch on hands, but turns out much more wearable when applied and by no means sheer. When on my lips the colour turns into a dark but at the same time bright berry-rose with slight magenta glitters (doesn't show much). Chanel actually describe it as a deep shimmery garnet.

They feel light-weight, non-tacky/non-sticky, comfortable to wear and slightly hydrating. I'm not sure about the lasting power yet as I've not worn it alone yet but mostly only worn with a lipstick. I don't mind about the staying power of lip-glosses that much as I'm use to reapplying them once every 1.5 or 2 hour. It applies evenly and smoothly with just a single stroke on the doe-foot applicator, no bald patches too.

I believe this shade was out last year during summer but it is a permanent shade in Singapores. Love this formula of the Glossimer and I'm sure I will buy them if they have colours that I love.

They definitely lives up to the hype and be sure to check them out if you are a gloss kind of gal!!

Have a great weekend!! XOXO!!

Catrice: Ultimate Colour (#050 Princess Peach) & Ultimate Shine (#180 Meet Violeta) Lipsticks

Left:  Ultimate Colour (#050 Princess Peach) Right: Ultimate Shine (#180 Meet Violeta)

 Left:  Ultimate Colour (#050 Princess Peach) Right: Ultimate Shine (#180 Meet Violeta)

I love Catrice blushes but not exactly thrilled by their  Catrice Eye Liner Pen in #050 Black Blue and recently I had try and tested their newest lipsticks formula in Ultimate Colour and Ultimate Shine and they are really great and budget friendly too. In Singapore you could get catrice products in selected 'Guardian' stores. The packaging are both quite weighty considering they are just drugstore products, simple but doesn't look that cheap if compared with Essence.

Catrice: Ultimate Colour (#050 Princess Peach) (SGD $7.90) is a warm peachy shade with a creamy finish.  They are highly pigmented with perfect coverage and shine, plus a smooth, creamy texture that glides onto the lips very easily. The lasting power on my lips are average of 3 - 4 hours before a need to retouch.

Catrice: Ultimate Shine (#180 Meet Violeta) (SGD $7.90) is a total impulse buy because I don't wear this pinkish lilac colour with a frosty finish but I do use it just to top over other pinks, purple shades sometimes just slightly on the centre of the lips to create a fuller look. Surprisingly quite pigmented and full coverage for a shine formula lipstick. The texture is very creamy, smooth and soft that melts with the lips and provides intensive moisture and shine. The lasting power on my lips are average of 3 - 4 hours before a need to retouch same as the Ultimate Colour formula.

Left:  Ultimate Colour (#050 Princess Peach) Right: Ultimate Shine (#180 Meet Violeta)

  Ultimate Colour (#050 Princess Peach)

Ultimate Shine (#180 Meet Violeta)

Great formulas, nice packaging, and budget friendly prices so what can I possibly ask more. A definite must buy if you are on a budget. I love both of their formulas. So have you tried any Catrice products yet? 

The Balm: Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter

I believe a lot people have heard, seen and owned this mega beautiful highlighter by now, its insane that I would drag a year or more passing by, swatching it on my hand and just admiring and not get this highlighter until now. 

First thing The Balm always have the most amazing beautifully package products that gives you a pin-up, vintage vibe and that makes you want to start collecting them like a hoarder, plus I'm always more prone to get a product if they have great packaging (yup I'm a sucker when it comes to nice packaging).

The Balm: Mary-Lou Manizer (SGD $36.90 @ Sasa Singapore) This product contains 8.5g/0.3 oz which is double the average amount of your average blush, and because you only need the tiniest amount and  I don't think I will ever finish up this highlighter. It's a soft shimmering champagne colour with slight gold tone. On the skin it's not glittery,heavy, or overly shimmery and it seems to have a combination of noticeable shimmer and subtle, glowy sheen. I think its a very pretty shade and very flattering on most skin tones.

I've always been very careful about too much shimmery products as they will accentuate and emphasize my oiliness on my oily-combination skin but with this I just tap the tiniest amount  on top of my cheeks and blend it with a brush will turn you to a glowy goddess. 

It's my favourite highlighter now and the only thing I regret is not getting this sooner. It is definitely worth the hype and if you have not try this just rush to the nearest place you can find whether online or shop and just get it. I'm sure you love just as much as I do.

Pure Beauty: Pomegranate Antioxidant Cleansing Facial Wipes

Hi My Lovely Ladies, I came across this affordable Cleansing Facial Wipes while I was in Watsons a while ago and the first thing I notice was that it is Paraben Free, Lanolin Free & Alcohol Free. Since it is so affordable and I've been trying to use more natural and chemical free products so what the heck I just pick them up to try. Besides I love trying new stuffs, its my obsession.

Now here is some information about the brand:

Pure Beauty.
Inspired by nature. Perfected by science.

The theory of ageing states that living things age because cells accumulate oxidative free radical damage over time. Pure Beauty is based on the understanding that powerful antioxidants can limit and reduce this free radical damage, and slow the skin aging process. 

Over the past decade, Pure Beauty has embarked on a search for the perfect antioxidant, and along the way, they have discovered many more of nature's skincare secrets. 

Inspired by Korean skincare innovation, incorporating the finest natural ingredients and made possible by leading edge technology, they have created unique skincare products based on powerful antioxidant blends for visible, long-term results. 


Pure Beauty: Pomegranate Antioxidant Cleansing Facial Wipes (SGD $3.90 for 20 wipes) are under their pomegranate range and pomegranate is said to have been used as a cure for various ailments ever since they were first cultivated
in Persia over 5,000 years ago. One pomegranate contains up to 40% vitamin C,enough for an adult’s daily 
vitamin C requirement.In fact, the extract is rich with energizing nutrients and antioxidants.

This facial wipes claims to protects collagen reserves, promotes healthier skin, helps skin rejuvenation and protects skin free from radicals by detoxifying, neutralizing, energizing and brightening of skin. The wipes are soft and the moist/wet part is only okay, it did remove about 80% of my makeup and waterproof mascara and eyeliner but not completely. So I still need my Bifesta Cleansing Lotion: (Sebum)

to clean the rest completely.

It doesn't irritate my skin or eyes which is a good thing but I'm a bit disappointed that it's not moist/wet enough. I guess for that kind of price it is not that bad at all. I would say its just average and I will repurchase if I'm going on holiday for convenient sake.

What do you think? Have you tried them yet? Or any other wipes would you recommend?

Feel free to leave your comments.

Catrice: Ultra Fine Ink Eyeliner - Waterproof

I always like Catrice Eye Liner Pen in #050 Black Blue so I decided to try another different Liner from them, considering their prices that is quite cheap but also doesn't lack in quality too. This time I'll be trying out their Ultra Fine Ink Eyeliner - Waterproof version. The product comes in a sleek black packaging with a blue twist off cap.

Catrice: Ultra Fine Ink Eyeliner - Waterproof (SGD $6.50 @ Singapore Selected Guardian Stores) is really black but I don't find that they have an ultra thin brush which they claim. You got to be real light handed for a very thin precise line. I don't find that it is as waterproof or long lasting as their Eye Liner Pen in #050 Black Blue on me, it does have a full coverage in just one stroke and dries fairly fast. No smudging it just transferred and disappeared throughout the day on me.

Maybe it just not formulated for Asia extremely hot and humid climate?? I've seen quite a lot of positive reviews online and I'm pretty disappointed with the results that it gave me. I still prefer their Eye Liner Pen better

So what do you think of the eyeliner? Or what is your favourite?

Link To: Catrice: Defining Blush Rosewood Forest (#060) & Apropos Apricot (#050)

The Body Shop: Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

Hi gals, I was busy collecting my passport yesterday that I didn't have the time to post so today I will be talking about The Body Shop: Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder. In Asia or I should say Singapore most women don't bother to contour or use any bronzing powder for the day to day basis, I'm one of the rare one I suppose that do contour whenever I do my makeup. So finding finding a drugstore bronzer is like searching in a hay stack for a needle here until The Body Shop launched their Honey Bronze Line here.

I went in several times to The Body Shop just to look at their honey bronze bronzing powder but was put off at their price until I got an offer for their members a SGD $10 voucher and yes I'm a member of The Body Shop clearly if you have been reading I have done quite a few reviews on their products which I will link below if you are interested in checking them out.

The Body Shop: Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder (#01 Light Matte) (SGD $32.90) is just slightly orange looking on my skin swatched below but it looks perfectly fine when its used on my face. It comes in 4 shades, the #01 light matte and #02 fair matte are fantastic for fair people and all 4 shades are suitable for both contouring and bronzing.

I love the the packaging which is kind of old school compact. The plastic is translucent so that under the light you can see a honeycomb pattern peeking through. The bronzer itself is enrich with honey and embossed with a honeycomb pattern similar to the packaging that ties back to the honey theme. The texture is smooth and soft and is not loosely packed or excessively powdery.

I love this bronzer next to my Chocolate Soleil bronzer from Too Faced but I don't find that they are dupes if comparing them together. The Pros so far is that they're

• Completely Matte
• Buildable
• Not Muddy or Orangey when is pile on
• Compact for on the go

and even a very faint honey scent. No cons from my point of view just only that it retails quite expensive in Singapore.

Link to: The Body Shop: Almond Body Butter

Link to: The Body Shop: Olive Textured Body Scrub

Link to: The Body Shop: Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash

Link to: The Body Shop: Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter 

CLIO: Virgin Kiss Lipnicure (#8 Guilty Pink)

Ever since YSL Glossy Stains (Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres)(I will link my previous post below) launched (a while ago), it seems to cause a trend in the cosmetics world even for the Asia's brands to create some sort of different versions of very pigmented and long-wearing liquid lipsticks. I do really love my YSL glossy stains very much still and still intend to get a few more but maybe finding some cheaper versions.

Even since then I was a bit obsessed in trying the cheap alternatives (example: L’Oréal Shine Caresse which was a big disppointment), so far still not much luck in finding something similar or as good as the YSL ones. I was excited when I saw that Clio a korean brand had their version of liquid lipsticks and decided to pick it up to try, I'm sill pretty unsure about how I feel about them yet.

*P.S : They've a lip primer and lip top coat (a gloss I think) which I didn't felt I needed to get because I could use my own lip balm and gloss.

The packaging is cute but a bit too stubby and fat.
CLIO: Virgin Kiss Lipnicure (#8 Guilty Pink) (SGD $19.90) is a bright fuchsia pink and it is budge-proof, pigment-intense and dries down to a matte finish.The doe-foot ergonomic tip applicator is shape slightly curve that simulates the sensuous touch of a finger.

Before you apply the Lipnicure remember to put on some lip balm, it glides on smoothly and doesn't dry up that fast so if you can correct any mistakes you made. After this stuff sets, it ain't going anywhere.They are so stubborn that Clio actually sells a remover just for them, but you could use your usual waterproof/oil makeup remover to remove them and even that you could still see the beautiful stain on your lips after that.

There are 2 things I didn't like, the first is how it feels; there is like a hard and slightly dry but a bit tacky mask on my lips and can flake off if I didn't put on any lip gloss, so it's very important to put on that gloss or you could just get their top coat. Second is the price, Me and my follow Asians in Asia still wish that prices of any cosmetics will be a lot more cheaper like the prices in USA *sighs*.

Overall, there is really nothing bad about this product. I might just have to get their lip primer and top coat to try if they feel better together on my lips.

Happy weekends!! Hugs & Kisses!!

Link to: YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain: Rouge Gouache (#11) and Rose Pastelle (#18)

Tarte: Amazonian Clay 12-hour Full Coverage Foundation

Tarte: Amazonian Clay 12-hour Full Coverage Foundation (Light Sand) (SGD $60) is like airbrushed foundation, the Amazonian Clay will intuitively adjust to your skin's concern whether is oily, dry, or combination. It reduces the appearance of pores and evens out discoloration. It is a long wearing full coverage foundation with UVA/UVB SPF 15 formula and blendable.

I have a love hate relationship with this foundation, it doesn't seems to control my oil T-Zone that well because it only lasted about 4 hours in the extremely humid and hot weather in Singapore. Another thing is Tarte wasn't kidding about it being full coverage because a little goes a very long way. If I apply too much, it starts to feel very heavy and seems like a mask on my face which feels very uncomfortable.

The only 2 ways I could use it is to mix with my other foundations with a lighter texture and coverage, or just apply a very thin layer. I just can't decide whether I love it or hate it, I love that it is full coverage and the texture which is quite smooth, silky and very blendable. It looks flawless when you first put it on but hate it when it just cakes up after the four hour period.

I blame it on Singapore's weather because its so difficult for makeup to last long on my skin. I'm like searching for a needle in a haystack and the only reason I say that its because not only I have to deal with my oily-combination skin, I still got to deal with the excessive sweating in this kind of weather.

.

Overall I do think it is a good foundation, not great but still good. I believe it will be excellent especially for those whose skin belongs to the more normal type. It might be great for me almost during the end of the year from October onwards where the weather will be much cooler, for now I would just keep it in my makeup stash and wait till then before I would even bust it out to use again. For the time being I still prefer their Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush foundation better which I had done a review on previously and I'll have link below if you are interested in checking that out.

Have you tried this foundation yet? What do you think of it?

Link to: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation